About Paul

Runners Questions

I started running in 2009 at the age of 43. I have never been a runner. At school I was regularly last in the cross country and hated every minute of it. Particularly the mud.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

My first Ultra attempt was the Thames path 100 in 2012. Which I failed, but learnt enough from to go back and finish it in 2013. I had previously completed a double Iron distance triathlon in 2012.

When or where (at which events) are we most likely to see you?

I have grown to like 24 hour races and running around in circles, so any 24 hour track race.

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

Last year I completed two 24 hour races 2 weeks apart and ran over 100 miles in both. My 20hrs26mins South Downs way 100 in 2013 is my best result to date.

What was your hardest race experience?

Failing to finish the 180km Olympian race in Greece ranks high on the pain list, both physically and mentally. I can still remember the pain in my calves, but still ask myself why I didn’t try and carry on!

In my head it is an even pace for 24 hours. In reality, it is get caught up in the adrenalin at the start and run too fast, followed by dying. I managed a good steady pace at Endure24 last year and saw a good result from it. Only suffering for the last 3 hours with what turned out to be an insect bite.

What does a typical training week look like?

No week is typical. I start training for a race 12 weeks out. I build up mileage for the first 8 weeks. This is broken into two 4 week blocks 3 weeks building up, 1 week resting (resting is about half the previous weeks mileage). The 9th week is my biggest week, where I like to run the distance I will do in the race in that week. So 100 mile race means week 9 has 100 miles or just over in training. I then start to cut the distance back and increase the intensity.

What one tip would you pass onto people running an Ultra marathon for the first time?

Train slowly. You only need to run fast once a week. If you train too fast you won’t be out there the next day and that means you’re not getting the time on feet in.

Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself?

I am a Graecophile. My wife is Greek and lives in Greece with our daughter. I work in the UK and travel to Greece at least once a month to see my family. That will be the rest week in my training schedules.

Spartathlon Questions

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

No

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

The awesomeness of the race.

What are you not looking forward to during the Spartathlon race?

The pain and tears.

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Running to work and back more often. It means running of 12.5 miles twice a day and then back to back through the week. I have done it a few times this winter and feel the benefits from it. It keeps the runs under 2 hours, so no muscle wastage, but not enough recovery time, so learning to run on tired legs.